INDOT ruled in favor of contractor on Bridge 137 claim; county considers next steps

Starke County officials reviewed a contractor's $31,009.33 claim tied to construction delays on Bridge 137, a federally funded bridge on 300 East into the Industrial Park off State Road 8. A staff presenter said INDOT had issued a letter ruling in favor of the contractor, Superior, leaving an outstanding change-order request for the county to consider.

The presenter summarized the dispute: "While pile driving for the bridge abutments and piers, a rebound effect caused the silty soils resulted in delays and required restrikes of the piles," and noted that INDOT found in favor of Superior. The presenter added, "So, basically, we have this outstanding claim still on Bridge 137 for $31,009.33." BFNS served as the project's consultant on the contract review and investigation.

Brandon of BFNS told the board he could not recommend whether to escalate without reviewing the formal agreement between the county and INDOT: "I am not sure what the agreement between Stark County and INDOT states," he said, noting he has not previously seen a claimed matter escalate in this office. County participants discussed the possibility of writing to INDOT but also raised concern about potential repercussions given the county's reliance on INDOT grant funding.

The board did not approve payment at the meeting; instead, commissioners directed staff and counsel to examine contractual agreements and the INDOT decision before any final action.